pH-dependent conformational plasticity of monoclonal antibodies at the SiO2/water interface: insights from neutron reflectivity and molecular dynamics
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Investigating the molecular conformations of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) adsorbed at the solid/liquid interface is crucial for understanding mAb solution stability and advancing the development of mAb-based biosensors. This study examines the pH-dependent conformational plasticity of a human IgG1k mAb, COE-3, at the SiO2/water interface under varying pH conditions (pH 5.5 and 9). By integrating neutron reflectivity (NR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we reveal that the mAb irreversibly deposits onto the interface at pH 5.5, with surface density saturation reached at 20 ppm bulk concentration. At pH 5.5, the adsorbed mAb adopts a stable “flat-on” orientation, while at pH 9, it assumes a more flexible conformation and a “tilted” orientation. This pH-dependent orientation shift is reversible and influenced by the distinct surface charge properties of the Fab and Fc fragments, with the Fc fragment more prone to desorption at higher pH. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) analysis further shows that COE-3 maintains structural stability upon adsorption across both pH levels, showing minimal unfolding or denaturation. These findings highlight how pH-dependent electrostatic interactions between mAb fragments and the SiO2 interface drive conformational adjustments in the intact mAb, offering insights into adsorption-induced aggregation and suggesting pH modulation as a mechanism for controlling biosensor efficiency.
Date Issued
2024-12-25
Date Acceptance
2024-11-26
Citation
ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2024, 16 (51), pp.70231-70241
ISSN
1944-8244
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
70231
End Page
70241
Journal / Book Title
ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume
16
Issue
51
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 .
License URL
Sponsor
MedImmune Limited
Grant Number
CR-018026
Subjects
ADSORPTION BEHAVIOR
AGGREGATION
Materials Science
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
molecular dynamics (MD)
monoclonalantibodies (mAbs)
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
neutron reflection(NR)
PARTICLES
protein adsorption
protein therapeutics
PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS
Science & Technology
Science & Technology - Other Topics
SOLID-SURFACES
SYSTEMS
Technology
THERAPY
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2024-12-12